Timer units for plural zone, pre-pay telephone stations



J ly 1967 R. A. CLARK, JR 3,

TIMER UNITS FOR PLURAL ZONE, PRE-PAY TELEPHONE STATIONS Original FiledFeb. 20, 1961 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 25 Gem Area 20 2 M [WW W H fl W /L |5|Cluwh ISCentAreu 248 Release Posi'ion I48 Insulating Muteriul.

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TIMER UNITS' FOR PLURAL ZONE, PRE-PAY TELEPHONE STATIONS Original FiledFeb. 20, 1961 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor:

Robert A.Cl 0 rk, Jr y 321 m J/SAJM H f .w

July 4, 19.67 R. A. CLARK, JR 3,329,779

TIMER UNITS FOR PLURAL ZONE, FEE-PAY TELEPHONE STATIONS Origifial FiledFeb. 20, 1961 I 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Fig.6.

Inventor: Robert A.Clark,Jr

July 4, 1967 R. A. CLARK, JR

TIMER UNITS FOR PLURAL ZONE, PRE-PAY TELEPHONE STATIONS Original FiledFeb. 20, 1961 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Jul 4, 1967 R A CLARK, JR 3,329,779

TIMER UNITS FOR FLURAL ZONE, PRE-PAY TELEPHONE STATIONS Original FiledFeb. 20, 1961 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Timer. Unit 22. Successive Sieps iorExcess Tlmpcomocts a Succe i e colnsjNlckgls gtg) ZSCEnYAreO.ZOCentAreu. ISCemAreo.

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(Buse Tlma) July 4, 1967 R. A. CLARK, JR

TIMER UNIT S FOR PLURAL ZONE, FEE-PAY TELEPHONE STATIONS 8 Sheets-Sheet6 mm. 3 SEE.

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TIMER UNITS FOR PLURAL ZONE, PRE-PAY TELEPHONE STATIONS 8 Sheets-SheetOriginal Filed Feb. 20, 1961 2 959m wwm l i' inventor RobertA.C|urk uly1967 R. A. CLARK, JR 3,329,779

, PRE-PAY TELEPHONE STATIONS TIMER UNITS FOR PLURAL ZONE 8 Sheets-Sheet8 Original Filed Feb. 20, 1961 62 mm 832mm United States Patent Office3,329,779 Patented July 4, 1967 3,329,779 TIMER UNITS FOR PLURAL ZONE,PRE-PAY TELEPHONE STATIONS Robert A. Clark, Jr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.Communication Equipment and Engineering Co., 5646 W. Race St., Chicago,II]. 60644) Original application Feb. 20, 1961, Ser. No. 99,976, nowPatent No. 3,221,101, dated Nov. 30, 1965. Divided and this applicationMar. 29, 1965, Ser. No. 443,252

11 Claims. (Cl. 20037) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A timer unit fortiming telephone calls and the like, intended for use in connection withtelephone systems wherein provision is made for dialing telephones in aplurality of zones, wherein the base charges for calls to such zonesdifier, so that the rate per minute of call, including overtime ofcalls, differ for such zones; with provision for delivering timedsignals for payment for overtime calls, on the basis of the rate perminute for the zone of which overtime is being measured.

This invention relates to improvements in timer units for plural zone,pre-pay telephone stations, and the like.

This application is a division of my co-pending application of patent onimprovements in plural zone, time control, pre-pay telephone systems,and the like, Ser. No. 99,976, filed Feb. 20, 1961. In order to betterunderstand various features of structure and operations thereof, to behereinafter illustrated and described, I shall first state briefly someof the operations and purposes thereof, which are disclosed in theparent application, relating to the complete telephone pre-pay stationtherein disclosed, of which complete station the timers to which thisapplication relates, comprise elements; thus also showing some of thepurposes and uses of functions and structures of the timers themselves.In so doing, however, it will be understood that timers embodying suchfunctions and structures as will be hereinafter disclosed, may also beused in connection with operations, and for purposes other than thosespecific to the pre-pay telephone stations disclosed in and covered bymy aforesaid application, Ser. No. 99,976; and that I do not limitmyself to the specific uses and combinations disclosed in that parentapplication, except as I may do so in the claims to follow.

In a plural zone, time control pre-pay telephone system embodyingfeatures disclosed in my said parent application, provision is made forcalling parties located in several zones which zones generally surroundthe calling station, and are located at progressively greater distancesfrom such calling station. The base pay for calling a party in each ofsuch zones is determined generally according to the distance of suchcalled party from the calling station; so that the base charges or paysto call parties in the several zones so serviced, are generallyproportioned to the distances of the called parties from the callingstation. As an example, provision may be made for servicing calledstations lying in three zones located at successively greater distancesfrom the calling station. These may conveniently be defined as zones A,B and C. The base charges or pays to call stations lying in such zonesmay, for example, be fifteen cents, twenty cents, and twentyfive cents.

Conveniently also, the base time intervals pre-paid for calls to suchzones, may all be the same, for example, five minutes; the base chargefor each zone pre-paying for a completed call covering such base timeinterval Without need of further payment. Simple division then showsthat the charge per minute of base pay call is 3 cents in the case ofzone A, 4 cents in the case of zone B, and 5 cents in the case of zoneC.

Provision has been made, in the disclosures of such parent application,and in the timer unit disclosed therein, which timer unit is thesubject-matter of the present divisional application, for extending thetimer operation beyond the base pay time interval, by proper over-timepayments made at a suitable unit of the station. It is convenient anddesirable to make provision for extending the pay time call, if desiredby the calling party, by use of coins of convenient denomination,successively inserted into a coin receptacle. Preferably also, it isdesirable that coins of the same denomination be used for each of asuccession of pre-pay extensions, and that extensions of pre-paid timefor all of the zones be made by coins of one and the same denomination,for example, a nickel (5 cents). It will be evident that deposit of a 5cent extension when calling a zone A station should result in productionof a greater time extension than would deposit of such 5 cent coin whencalling a zone B station; and that such deposit of such 5 cent extensionwhen calling a zone B station should result in production of a greatertime extension than would deposit of such 5 cent extension coin whencalling a zone C station. This relation of the proper time extensionsfor calling stations located in the different zones may be furtherevidenced by the following comparison:

When the charge per minute of base pay is 3 cents (being the illustratedcase for zone A), corresponding to the base pay of fifteen cents for 5minutes, it is evident that, at the rate .per minute of extension thesame as the rate per minute of base time interval, a 5 cent extensionmust produce, in the timer, proper responses to enable continuing theconversation for minutes, or 1.66 minutes. Correspondingly, for the caseof zone B (as to which the base pay is twenty cents for a time intervalof five minutes), a 5 cent extension must produce, in the timer, properresponses to enable continuing the conversation for 1.25 minutes; and inthe case of .zone C (as to which the base pay is twenty-five cents for atime interval of five minutes), a 5 cent extension must produce, in thetimer, proper responses to enable continuing the conversation for 1.00minute. It is thus evident that, when using coins of a single selectedvalue for producing extensions of the pre-pay time interval under theconditions of different base pay amounts for the different zones,provision must be made in the timer for delivering desired signals afterextended time intervals of amount depending upon and corresponding tothe rate per minute demanded for the zone being called, such rates perminute for the several zones differing from each other. Provision hasbeen made in the timer structures hereinafter disclosed, for producingthe foregoing desired results. The signals delivered at termination ofthe extended time intervals (or at termination of the originally paid,base pay-time interval) may be used for control of other elements ofcircuitry or otherwise. Such other elements are herein disclosed tofacilitate explanation and understanding of various of the timerstructures and their functions and relations to each other.

A further feature of the present invention concerns itself with theprovision of a simple arrangement for producing the time measuredsignals, both for termination of the base pay time interval (if noextension has been paid), and for termination at conclusion of whatevertime extensions have been paid, including provision for delivering suchtermination signals according to the time rate of the zone for whichcompletion of the call has been delivered. In this connection, provisionis also made for conditioning output terminals to deliver signals ofcompletion of the paid time intervals, including extension intervals,

for the several zone rates, which output terminals may be connected toother circuitry of the telephone station; so that the output terminalsfor connection to such other telephone circuitry shall be electrifiedprogressively for each zone, and according to the paid extension ofextensions which have been made for such zone, on the basis of the rateper minute demanded for such zone.

In connection with the foregoing, a further feature and object of theinvention relates to a very simple structure for producing the timecounting operation. This structure includes a contact carrier which,when the timer operation has been commenced, will be advanced at uniformspeed during the time counting operation. Such contact carrier carrieswiper contacts corresponding to the several zones being serviced, andwhich wiper contacts are connected to the other output terminals of thetimer, which output carrier terminals are connected to the otherelements of the telephone circuitry; the wiper contacts of the carrierprogressively engaging stationary contacts of the timer, whichstationary contacts are in turn electrified selectively, according to aselector stepping switch which is advanced to positions depending uponthe insertion of extension payments made from time to time during thecontinuation of the completed call. Thus the timer itself is soconstituted that it will deliver a time termination signal at conclusionof the paid time for the zone to which the call is being made, includingany extension time, and according to the rate of charge per minute fromthe calling station to the zone which includes the called station.

Provision is also made for delivering a warning signal a predeterminedtime in advance of the expiration of the paid time (including anyextensions), to enable the calling party to make a further extensionpayment of one or more coins of the proper value, with correspondingextension of the setting of the selector stepping switch to electrifythe stationary contacts corresponding to the extended total paid timeinterval.

The uniform speed of advance of the contact carrier is produced by asmall constant speed motor which is energized by supply of current whenthe call has been completed by the response of the called party, asimple form of clutch being interposed between the motor out put shaftand the contact carrier, such clutch being normally disengaged so thatnormally the contact carrier will be returned to its home or startingposition by suitable returning means, such as a spring provided for thepurpose. Provision is made for causing the clutch to engage the contactcarrier element for drive in the time counting direction when the motoris electrified.

Other objects and uses of the invention will appear from a detaileddescription of the same, which consists in the features of constructionand combinations of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 shows a top plan or face view of the timer unit, with theswinging contact carrier fully restored to its base or zero timeposition by spring retraction, presently to be explained; and the timerunit shown includes stationary contacts corresponding to a fifteen centzone, a twenty cent zone and a twenty-five cent zone; and the swingingcontact carrier carries contacts, corresponding to all three such zones,and for producing the warning signal and also for producing the finalcut-off signal;

FIGURE 2 shows an edge view corresponding to FIG- URE 1, but looking atthe edge of the unit which is at the top of FIGURE 1, so that the righthand edge of FIGURE 2 corresponds to the left-hand edge of FIGURE 1, andthe left-hand edge of FIGURE 2 corresponds to the right-hand edge ofFIGURE 1; it being here noted that various of the operating elements ofthis timer are supported from a plate beneath and connected to the topor contact carrying plate of the timer;

FIGURE 3 shows a bottom face view of the timer unit,

being a face view produced by rotation of the showing of FIGURE 2 aboutan axis extending across FIGURE 2, horizontally, and with rotationthrough degrees; and FIGURE 3 shows the stepping switch element which isadvanced step-by-step corresponding to additional money insertions intothe coin receiving unit and according to the denominations of such moneyinsertions, the successive contacts of such switch being connected tothe successive stationary contacts shown in FIGURE 1; and FIG- URE 3also shows the time count, uniform speed motor, by which time iscounted; together with the clutch element by which such motors drive iscommunicated to the swinging contact carrying arm to advance such arm,during count of time, by motor drive, and against the urge of aretracting spring, with clutch release at completion of the time count,to permit the arm to be returned to its initial or base position, shownin FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 shows an edge view corresponding to FIG- URE 3, looking towardsthe lower edge of the unit shown in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 shows a left-hand edge view corresponding to FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 6 shows a right-hand edge view corresponding to FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 7 shows a horizontal section, looking down, taken on the line 77of FIGURE 2, looking in the direction of the arrows; and FIGURE 7 isalso a horizontal section, looking upwardly, taken on the lines 77 ofFIGURES 4, 5 and 6; and FIGURE '7 shows the rock arm which carries thestub shaft by which the swinging arm is carried; such rock arm and stubshaft being capable of slight back and forth shift between a normallyunclutching position and a clutching position in which the swinging armis driven and rocked during the time count interval;

FIGURE 8 shows a fragmentary plan view of the ratchet drive andhold-back elements, by which the stepping switch is advancedstep-by-step according to pulses delivered by and corresponding tosuccessive coins introduced into the coin receiving unit; FIGURE 8 beingon enlarged scale as compared to other views of the timer unit;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary detail elevation taken on the line 9-9 ofFIGURE 8, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary vertical section through the central or shaftportion of the stack of contact decks and corresponding movablecontacts, of the stepping switch shown in various figures, includingFIGURES 8 and 9;

FIGURE 11 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken on the line 1l11 ofFIGURE 10, looking down, in the direction of the arrows; and FIGURE 11shows the three wiper contacts corresponding to the three decks ofstationary contacts, which three Wiper contacts engage correspondingdeck stationary contacts in sequence, each sequence of engagement of awiper contact occurring through approximately one-hundred-twenty degreesof advance of the wiper contacts;

FIGURE 12 shows in schematic form the relationships of the principaloperating elements of the timer contact system, including the stationarycontacts, the movable (rockable) contact carrying arm, the drive motorand clutch for driving such contact arm at uniform rate during the timecounting interval, the stepping switch advancing ratchet and pawlarrangement, for producing stepping, the three wiper contacts for thethree decks, the interrupter contacts for advancing the stepping switchby a self-pulsed operation to restore the wipers to their normal or zeropositions when a time counting operation has been completed; and theOff-Normal contacts which modify circuitry as soon as the steppingswitch moves forward from its normal or zero position, and for restoringsuch circuitry at final return of the wipers to their normal or zeropositions and FIGURE 12 shows stationary contacts corresponding toinsertion of coins of successive equal denominational values forsuccessive extra time intervals of equal time values, the successivestationary contacts for the three zones (fifteen cent, twenty cent andtwenty-five cent) being progressively spaced to correspond to therespective extra time values for such extra time coin insertions.

FIGURE 13 shows a portion of a wiring diagram for the circuitry of apre-pay, plural zone, time control calling station which includes atimer unit embodying the features of invention comprising thedisclosures of the present application; this portion of such wiringdiagram including a schematic showing of the timer elements and portionsof the timer circuitry, together with connections between various of thetime elements already described, and other calling station units; thepresent FIGURE 13 comprising that portion of the calling stationcircuitry below FIGURE 14 and to the left of FIGURE 15;

FIGURE 14 shows that portion of the calling station Wiring diagram abovethe showing of FIGURE 13; and

FIGURE 15 shows that portion of the calling station wiring diagram tothe right of the showing of FIG- URE 13.

It will be understood that the calling station of which the wiringdiagram sections are shown in FIGURES 13, 14 and 15, including the timerembodying the features of the present invention, is herein illustratedprimarily to facilitate the understanding of the timer structures of thepresent case, and to show operative connections between various elementsof such timer and other elements of circuitry or apparatus, from and towhich signals affecting the timer operations, or delivered by the timer,flow; and

also to show various interconnections between elements of the timeritself, and which may be considered as internal to such timer. In thusillustrating one particular circuitry and set of units other than thetimer itself, I do not intend to limit myself, except as I may do so inthe claims to follow. Detailed description of the timer unit:

The timer unit is provided with a movable element which carries at leastone movable contact corresponding to each of the zones to be served.This is a primary or operation terminating contact. Preferably, alsoeach such movable elements carries another secondary contact for eachzone. This secondary contact is so disposed that it effects a circuitclosing operation a predetermined time interval prior to the closingfunction produced by the corresponding primary contact for the zone inquestion.

This timer also carries a series of stationary contacts for each zonemounted in position for successive engagement by the movable contact orcontacts for such zone; and when both a primary and a secondary contactare provided for each zone, they are so mounted on the movable elementor carrier that the secondary contact for each zone will engage aspecified stationary contact for such zone at a pre-determined warningtime interval prior to engagement of such specified contact by theprimary contact for such zone. Conveniently, such pre-determined timeinterval is chosen as 45 seconds, being a Warning time within which thecalling party may, if desired, make pre-payment for an extended timeinterval of his call. If such further payment is made the permittedinterval will be extended an amount corresponding to such additionalpre-payment. At the warning time interval prior to expiration of suchextended interval a new warning signal will be given; and the callingparty may make further pre-payment for a further extension of time.Otherwise, in case no extension pre-payment is made, either as firstexplained above, or as secondly explained above, the call will be cutoff by functions instituted by engagement of the primary movable contactfor such zone, with the stationary contact which corresponds to theoriginal prepaid time interval or the extended pre-paid interval, as thecase may be.

Conveniently, the movable contact carrying element comprises an armsecured to and carried by a rock shaft, so that such arm sweeps over astationary contact carrying element during the time count operation.Such arm 6 carries the primary and secondary contacts for the severalzones, at successive radial positions outwardly along such arm; and thestationary contacts for the several zones are located in or on thecontact carrying element in circular segments co-axial with the rockshaft, within a slight departure from such co-axial condition duringnormal operations, as will presently appear.

Means are provided for driving the rock shaft, during a time countoperation, at uniform rate from the zero or normal position of the rockshaft (and connected arm), thus causing the movable contacts for theseveral zones to successively engage the stationary contacts for theirrespective zones, during the continued rocking and 7 arm sweepingoperation. During this operation the secondary contact for each zoneengages any given stationary contact for such zone at the predeterminedinterval prior to engagement of such stationary contact by the primarycontact for such zone; and the engagements for the respective primarycontacts with the successive stationary contacts for their zones occurafter discontinuance of engagements of such stationary contacts by thesecondary contacts with the corresponding primary contacts. Thus thereis avoided circuitry interference between the signals produced by theengagements of the secondary contacts and the corresponding primarycontacts, with the successive stationary contacts.

Conveniently the stationary contacts for each zone are spacedprogressively from each other at uniform spacings, corresponding tosuccessive and equal time inter vals. With this arrangement, eachsecondary contact, and each primary contact for the respective zones,will engage a succeeding stationary contact at a time interval uniformfor all such successive stationary contacts for such zones. Then, if theextra pre-pay amounts for successive extra time intervals are of equalvalues for any given zone, it follows that by making successiveprepayments of equal amounts for successive extra time intervals, aproper relationship between the stationary contacts and such successiveextra time intervals will be ensured. For example, if the pre-pay chargeper minute for the twenty-five cent zone is five cents, then it followsthat successive pre-payments of five cents each, must correspond toengagement of successive stationary contacts for the twenty-five centzone, at intervals of one minute each, Likewise, if the pre-pay chargeper minute for the twenty cent zone is four cents, then it follows thatsuccessive pre-payments of five cents each, must correspond toengagement of successive stationary contacts for the twenty cent zone,at intervals of one and one-quarter minute each; and if the pre-paycharge per minute for the fifteen cent zone is three cents, then itfollows that successive pre-payments of five cents each, must correspondto engagement of successive stationary contacts for the fifteen centzone, at intervals of one and two-thirds minutes each. Under this basicrelationship, by making provision for successive advancements of astepping switch, by steps which correspond to successive nickelsintroduced into the coin receiving unit, suc cessive contacts of suchstepping switch may be successively electrified. Then, by connectingeach such stepping switch contact with one of the stationary contacts ofthe twenty-five cent zone, and with one of the stationary contacts ofthe twenty cent zone, and with one of the stationary contacts of thefifteen cent zone, it follows that, although the twenty-five centcontact just referred to is spaced ahead of the previous twenty-fivecent contact by a spacing corresponding to one minute of movement of therock shaft and movable contact carrying arm, the twenty cent contact ofsuch so-connected group should be spaced ahead of the previous twentycent contact by a spacing corresponding to one and onequarter minute ofmovement of such rock shaft and arm, and the fifteen cent contact ofsuch so-connected group should be spaced ahead of the previous fifteencent contact by a spacing corresponding to one and two-thirds minutes ofmovement of such rock shaft and arm. This spacing relationship betweensucessive stationary contacts of the twenty-five cent zone group, and ofthe twenty cent zone group, and of the fifteen cent zone group, must bemaintained for the full range of time movements of the rock shaft andthe arm, for which provision has been made.

Conveniently, a base time of five minutes is provided for each of thethree zones, corresponding, in the three cases, to a base charge oftwenty-five cents, a base charge of twenty cents for the twenty centzone, and a base charge of fifteen cents for the fifteen cent zone.Under this arrangement, it is unnecessary to provide any of thestationary'contacts for the three zones until the five minute positionof the rock shaft and arm is reached, at which position the firststationary contact for each of the three zones is located. Thereaftersuccessive step contacts of the stepping switch are connected tosuccessive groups of the stationary contacts, according to therelationship already explained. Under this arrangement, also, if thetimer is designed to provide for a maximum of thirty minutes of extratime, by extra pre-payments, corresponding to thirty-five minutes fromthe starting position, it is evident that such thirty-five minute timelapse (including a maximum of thirty minutes of extra time) will requirethe insertion of $1.50 extra pre-pay money, in the case of thetwenty-five cent zone, Will require the insertion of $1.20 of extrapre-pay money, in the case of the twenty cent zone, and will require theinsertion of $0.90 of extra pre-pay money, in the case of the fifteencent zone, corresponding to 18 steps of the stepping switch. It willpresently appear that provision has been made for producing one pulsefor operation of the stepping switch, corresponding to each five centsof pre-pay money, whether such pre-pay be the original payment for thebase time, or a pre-pay for extra time. Thus, insertion of a dime intothe coin receiving unit will produce two pulses for delivery ofcorresponding pulsed steps to the stepping switch.

The primary and secondary contacts carried by the sweep arm areconnected, by means of suitable connections, such as flexible leads, tocircuitry by which the functions tobe controlled by signals from suchcontacts, are thus properly controlled.

Conveniently the means to drive the rock shaft and the arm during timecounting intervals, comprises a constant speed motor, together with gearor friction wheel drive connections from such motor to the rock shaft.By using a friction wheel drive in such connections, it is possible toeffect clutching and unclutching operations by slight shifts of thedriven element (comprising the friction wheel mounted directly on therock shaft, together with the rock shaft and the sweep arm), back andforth, into and out of engagement with that friction wheel which is thedriver and directly connected to the motor shaft. Such slight back andforth movements, while sufiicient to produce the desired engagement anddisengagement operations, are not sufficient to appreciably affect theneeded accuracy of the time count operations. Preferably, also, thedisengagement of such clutching means comprises a spring, so that by useof a magnet to produce engagement, when such magnet is energized,disengagement of the parts will occur automatically upon de-energizingsuch magnet.

Conveniently the stepping switch is one which includes a ratchetconnected to the rotatably mounted element which carries the sweepcontacts of the stepping switch, together with a hold-back pawl elementengaging such ratchet to prevent any backward movement thereof. Sincethe time counting operation may be controlled for any number of steps ofthe stepping switch corresponding to the zone of the called station, andalso corresponding to the amount of extra time for which pre-payment ismade, it is clear that, upon completion of any call such stepping switchmay be, and probably will be, at a position other than the zero orstarting position of such switch. Accordingly, I have made provision forrestoring such switch to its starting or base or zero position atcompletion of each calling operation by a self-energizing pulseoperation of the switch, which may be termed a buzzer operation. Thisbuzzer operation will commence at completion of the call, and willcontinue until such stepping switch has rotated its sweep contactcarrying element around to the zero position, whereupon another switchof the circuitry will be opened to terminate such self-pulsingoperations. This will leave the switch at its zero or home position,ready to commence operations corresponding to insertion of pre-pay coinsfor a succeeding operation of calling.

In connection with the foregoing provision for return of the steppingswitch to its zero or home position. I have also made provision forreleasing the clutch at completion of such switch returning movement, tothus permit return of the sweep arm and rock shaft to its zero or homeposition, preparatory to use of such elements during a succeedingcalling operation.

Referring now to FIGURES 1 to 12, inclusive, the following descriptionof the timer unit thus described in general terms is provided:

A contact suppporting plate 148 of insulating material carries the threesets of stationary contacts 149, 150 and 151, for the twenty-five centzone, the twenty cent zone, and the fifteen cent zone, respectively.These sets of contacts are included in circular arcs drawn about acenter of the plate 148, which center is defined by the opening 152,shown in the various of the figures. The rock shaft 153 extends throughsuch opening, the opening being of larger size than such rock shaft toaccommodate slight lateral displacements of the shaft (and the sweep arm154 secured thereto) during the clutching and unclutching operations,presently to be described. An adjustable stop 155 in the form of a studthreaded through a bracket 156 supported by the plate 148, limits thereturning movement of the sweep arm. and the rock shaft at the zero orhome position of said parts, being the zero time position from whichtime of the completed call is to be measured. It is here noted that suchsweep arm and rock shaft are shown at their home positions in various ofthe figures; and that time is counted by counterclockwise rock of saidparts when viewed as in FIGURE 1, as shown by the arrow.

It is also seen from examination of FIGURE 1 that the first one of eachof the sets of stationary contacts 149, 150 and 151, being the startingcontacts 157, 158 and 159, respectively, are all located at a positionsomewhat above (in FIGURE 1), the illustrated home position of the sweeparm. Such sweep arm carries the primary contact elements 160, 161 and162, corresponding to the stationary contact groups 149, 150 and 151,respectively, and also carries the secondary contact elements 163, 164and 165, also corresponding to the stationary contact groups 149, 150and 151, respectively. These primary and secondary contacts extend down(towards the surface of the plate 148) and at an angle, so that as thesweep arm moves during its time counting and returning movements, a goodengagement of each of such contacts to 165 is produced against thestationary contacts to be thereby engaged. It is now noted that all ofthe stationary contacts lying at the right-hand or beginning position inFIGURE 1, and there designated by the digit 5 (minutes), are alignedsubstantially on a radial line from the axis of rotation. Also, that allthree of the secondary contacts are of such lengths and so aligned thatthey will simultaneously engage with such just mentioned contacts of thethree groups, 149, 150 and 151, as the sweep arm reaches its positionproduced by lapse of 4% minutes from start, all of such stationarycontacts engage such first stationary contacts of the three groupssimultaneously. It is also seen that all three of the primary contactsare of such lengths and so aligned that they will simultaneously engagewith such just mentioned contacts of the three groups 149, 150 and 151,at the time the sweep arm reaches its minute position, counting timelapse from the start of the open ations.

The contacts 163, 164 and 165, secondary contacts, are connected byflexible leads to the circuitry exterior to the timer, in such mannerthat engagement of that one of such secondary contacts which correspondsto the zone which includes the called station, and for which the basepre-pay has been made, engages such first or five minute contact, awarning signal is given to the caller, signifying that the originallypre-paid time of five minues is approaching termination. At conclusionof the five minute interval, the primary contacts 160, 161 and 162 willengage such first stationary contacts; such primary contacts beingconnected by flexible leads, to the circuitry, in such manner that thecall will be automatically terminated, unless prepay has previously beenmade for extra time.

It is here noted that the warning signal must be given prior toengagement of the primary contacts 160, 161 or 162, with the nextstationary contact of the series, to avoid conflict of signals emittedby the two sets of primary and secondary contacts. By using a warningsignal time interval less than the time needed for the sweep arm to movethe angular distance between successive stationary contacts, suchconflict of signals is avoided. In the embodiment herein disclosed theWarning signal is emitted forty-five seconds prior to expiration of thepreviously pre-pai-d time, whereas the time interval between successivestationary contacts of the twenty-five cent zone is established as oneminute.

As the sweep arm progresses beyond the five minute position thesecondary contact 165 for the twenty-five cent group of stationarycontacts will engage the next stationary contact of such group, followedby engagement of the primary contact 162 with such stationary contact,such stationary contact being one minute beyond the five minute contact,or at the 6 minute elapsed time position. If a pre-pay (of one nickel)has been made prior to engagement of such primary contact 162 with suchadditional one minute contact, a further extra minute of the call wouldbe permitted without interruption. If more than one nickel had beeninserted into the coin receiving unit, being a multiple of five cents,the time extension would have been proportionately longer, according tothe charge of five cents per minute of additional time. Thus, when thecalled station is in a twenty-five cent zone, the circuitry is such thatproper warning and cutoff signals are produced, as needed, by engagementof the primary and secondary contacts 162 and 165 with the stationarycontacts of the group .149. Although, during such twenty-five cent zoneoperations the primary contacts 161 and 160, and the secondary contacts164 "and 16B are successively engaging the stationary contacts of thecorresponding groups still, under the conditions that the call was madeto a station of a twenty-five cent zone, and pre-pay was made to meetthe base pay of twenty-five cents, the outside circuitry to which thetimer is connected (and portions of which outside circuitry are hereinillustrated by way of illustration of one telephone system with whichthe present timer may be used) is such that the engagements of suchother primary and secondary contacts with stationary contacts will notinterfere wit-h or affect the intended and desired operations within thetwenty-five cent zone. This condition of non-interference between thecircuitries for the several zones is also of importance for thefollowing reason:

Although the time intervals between successive contacts of thetwenty-five cent group 149that is, the intervals for travel of the rockshaft and arm from contact engaging position to contact engagingposition, are all of one minute each (for the twenty-five cent group)such time intervals for travel of said parts from contacting position tocontacting position, for the other groups, are not one minute each;rather, for the group 150', the twenty cent group, they are one andone-quarter minute each, and for the group 151, the fifteen cent group,they are one and two-thirds minute each. Therefore, as will presentlyappear, the primary and secondary contacts for all of these groups donot simultaneously engage contacts of their respective groups, during alarge swing of the rock shaft and arm, except at the successive fiveminute positions. Thus it is noted that in the case of the group 149,there are five spaces between successive five minute posi- .tions, inthe case of the group there are four such spaces between successive fiveminute contact positions, and in the case of the group 151 there arethree such spaces between successive five minute positions.

Below the plate 148, and connected thereto by suitable studs, there is asecond base plate 166. The rock shaft 153 is tubular and is set downinto a stud 167 which has a flange 168 secured to its lower end. Suchflange is secured to the face of a rock arm or bar 169. A stud extendsthrough both the rock bar 169 and the plate 166, having a flange. 161secured to its lower end, such flange being secured to the lower face ofthe plate 166, and constituting an ample rigid support for the stud 170to retain it securely against shift with respect to such plate 166, andthus also to secure such stud against shift with respect to the plate148. A thimble 172 is set over the stud and is secured to the upper faceof the bar 169, as by welding. This thimble therefore serves as abearing of the rock bar 169 with respect to the stationary plate 166,such bearing permitting slight rock of the bar with respect to thestationary parts, and thus allowing for slight displacement of the shaft153 laterally of the hole 152 in the plate 148. Conveniently one end ofsuch rock bar is extended through a block 173 secured to the plate 166,and slotted with a slot of sufficient length to permit the desired rockof the bar without interference. The opposite end portion of such rockbar (right-hand portion of FIGURE 2) is bent at rightangles and extendsthrough a slot of the plate 166 to the opposite side thereof, extendingthus to provide the lug 169 by which such rock bar is rocked in onedirection. A stud 174 is secured to such lug 169 and a spring 175 hasone end connected to such stud, and its other end connected to a bracket176 secured to the face of the plate 166. The tension of such spring maybe adjusted by adjustment of the nut 177 and the lock nut 178. A stopstud 179 set through the bracket 180 may be adjusted to limit themovement of the lug 169 in direction away from the observer of FIGURE 3.

A beveled edge friction drive wheel 181 is secured to the hollow shaft156 to drive the same during time count. An enlarged hub 1-82 is securedto such hollow shaft; and .a tension line 183 is wrapped partiallyaround such hub, the end of such line being connected to the tensionspring 184; the end of such spring is connected to an adjustable stud185 extending through the bracket 186 secured to the plate 166. A nut187 is threaded onto such stud to enable adjustment of the tensionproduced on the line 183. The foregoing parts are so related that thespring 184 urges rotation of the hollow shaft in direction to restorethe arm 154 to its normal or home position. 'Drive of the beveled wheelin proper direction will rock the hollow shaft against urge of suchspring 184 in the time count direction.

A small constant speed motor 188 is mounted on the lower face of theplate 166 (see FIGURE 4), such motor being shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, butdue to the inversion of the unit in such figures the motor appears to beon the top face of the plate 166. This motor unit includes a built ingear reducer which drives the output shaft 189, an outboard bearingelement 10!) supporting the projecting end of such shaft againstdeflection. This output shaft carries the beveled grooved wheel 191 atconstant speed during motor energization. Such grooved Wheel is inposition such that a slight lateral shift of the beveled wheel towardsthe grooved wheel will produce sufficient frictional drive from thegrooved wheel to the 11 beveled wheel to drive the shaft 153 and producerock thereof, together with rock of the arm 154.

Examination of the so far described parts will show that the urge of thespring 175 shifts the hollow shaft 153 and connected parts, includingthe beveled wheel 181 in direction to carry such beveled wheel away fromengagegment with the grooved wheel, being the clutch disengagedposition. This is the normal position of such arts.

p Mounted on the plate 166 is the downwardly extending magnet element192 (upwardly extending in FIG- URES 2, 4, and 6 since such figures areinverted). The armature 193 of such magnet is pivoted on thehorizontally extending pin 194 set through the ears 195 and 196 of theplate 197 connected to the magnet frame 198. Energization of thesolenoid 199 of such magnet will draw such armature down against aretracting force which tends to raise the armature into the positionshown in various of the figures.

The lug 169 which comprises an end portion of the bar 169, is shown inFIGURES 4, 6 and 7, and others. A stern 199 extends from one side of thearmature 193 to a position close to such lug 169 and close to thesurface of the plate 166. To the lower end of such stem there isconnected a stud 200 which aligns with and extends to the proximate edgeof such lug 169 This arrangement is such that upon energization of themagnet the armature is drawn down, thus rocking such stem towards thelug 169 and forcing such lug rightwardly (when viewed as in FIGURE 6).Such rightward movement of the lug 169 results in rock of the bar 169'clockwise (when viewed as in FIGURE 7), against the tension of thespring 184, thus shifting the beveled wheel 181 into firm engagementwith the grooved wheel which is driven by the motor. Immediately uponde-energization of the magnet 192 such stem 199 will be moved leftwardlyby leftward movement of the lug 169 by retraction of the spring 175,with corresponding release of the bar 169 which will rock slightlycounterclockwise (viewed as in FIGURE 7), to disengage the beveled wheelfrom the grooved wheel. Such conditions of disengagement will continueas long as the magnet is de-energized. Such disengagement of the twowheels will also permit return rock of the hollow shaft 153 and the arm154 to their base or home position as limited by engagement of such armwith the stop 155. Thus the parts will be restored to the zero timeposition, preparatory to a successive time counting operation.

Conveniently mounted on the plate 166 is the stepping switch designatedin its entirety by the numeral 201. Such stepping switch may be ofconventional form, that switch illustrated being a product of C. P.Clare & Co., of Chicago, Ill., and illustrated in sales engineeringbulletin No. 121, and there designated as type 11, Spring DrivenStepping Switch. Said stepping switch conventionally includes the magnet202 of which the armature 203 is pivoted on the axis 204 for rock backand forth when viewed as in FIGURE 3. A rock arm 205 is connected tosuch armature and has pivoted to it the pawl element 206 by the stud 207(see FIGURE 8). A stationary stop 208 limits rock rightward of such arm205 and its pawl, under urge of the strong spring 209. Such springs urgemay be adjusted by adjustment of the stud 210 which is locked inadjustment by the lock nut 211. The pawl 206 is urged into engagementwith a ratchet wheel 212 carried by the shaft element 213 of the movablecontact carrier of the switch proper, presently to be explained, suchurge being produced by the light spring 214. A light hold-back springleaf 215 prevents retrograde movement of the ratchet wheel. The partsare so adjusted that whenever the magnet is energized the armature isdrawn to the left (viewed as in FIGURE 8) far enough to let the pawlengage the next leftward tooth of the ratchet, such leftward movementbeing against the urge of the spring 209. As soon as de-energization ofthe 12? magnet occurs, its armature is released, and the strong spring209 forces such armature and the pawl rightwardly, thus advancing theratchet wheel by spring action. Such rightward movement is limited bythe stop 208 to ensure exactly one tooth distance of ratchet wheeladvance, and during such one tooth advancement the light hold-backspring 215 receives the next ratchet wheel tooth, to now retain theparts in such advanced position.

The stepping switch illustrated in various figures is provided withthree decks of stationary contacts, and with at least one movablecontact corresponding to each such deck of stationary contacts. Suchthree decks are shown at 216, 217 and 218 in various of the figures; andsuch decks of stationary contacts are stacked firmly together into aconvenient unit. Each such deck carries twelve radial and inwardlyextending contacts 219 (see FIGURE 3), and such decks of contacts aremoulded into a corresponding block of insulating material, withconnection tips of such contacts extending radially outward forconvenient connection to circuitry. The first or lowest con tact 230 ofeach deck (viewed as in FIGURE 3) extends close to the shaft of rotationand serves as a current input medium for the sweep contact or wiper ofsuch deck, as presently to be explained. Thus eleven contacts of eachdeck are available for circuitry connections of output nature. It ishere noted that each group or deck of contacts (twelve in number)occupies degrees of arc; but that all three of the decks are in verticalalignment.

Corresponding to the three decks are the three wipers 221, 222 and 223,spaced 120 degrees apart. As the shaft element rotates each such wiperin turn contacts the eleven stationary contacts of its deck, the twelfthstationary contact comprising a current input contact as alreadyexplained. Reference to FIGURE 10 shows that the shaft element includesthe tubular member 213, onto which is set the insulating tube 224. Setonto such tubular member 224 are, in succession, the insulating disk225, the metal sleeve 226, the insulating disk 227, the metal sleeve228, the insulating disk 229, the metal sleeve 230, and the insulatingdisk 231. The tubular member 213 is provided with the shoulderedenlargement 232 at its lower end, and a block 233 is set down onto suchenlargement prior to assembling the various elements 224 to 231 onto theinsulating tube and the tubular shaft element 213. After the foregoingparts have been assembled as shown in FIGURE 10, the insulating block234 is set onto the stack, and finally the nut 235 is threaded onto theupper end of the tubular element 213, and drawn up tight. Thus, anassembly is produced which includes the three metal sleeves 226, 228 and230, insulated from each other and from exterior conducting parts. Thethree wipers 221, 222 and 223 extend out from these three sleeves, beingangularly displaced from each other, as indicated in FIGURE 11.

The three input contacts for the three decks of contacts are designated236, 236 and 236 and are shown by the arrows thus numbered in FIGURE 10.The arrangement of such stepping switch is thus such that, during thefirst third rotation of the wiper unit the stationary contacts, elevenin number, of the top deck are electrified (through input from the brush236), during the second third rotation of the wiper unit the stationarycontacts, eleven in number, of the middle deck are electrified (throughinput from the brush 236 and during the third portion of the rotation ofthe wiper unit the stationary contacts, eleven in number, of the bottomdeck are electrified (through input from the brush 236 Thus atcompletion of the full 360 degrees of rotation of the wiper unit, all ofthe stationary contacts, 33 in number, of the three decks, have beensuccessively electrified and then de-electrified by passage of the wiperin question to the next stationary contact; and such wiper unit hasreturned to its base or home position, preparatory to a later operation.I

The block 233 of FIGURE may be the ratchet wheel 212 of FIGURE 8, orconnected directly thereto. Thus, delivery of. successive pulses tomagnet 202 will produce successive advances of the wiper unit,corresponding to successive teeth of the ratchet.

The block 234 of FIGURE 10, is provided with a single high point 237(see FIGURE 3), and such high point is shown in FIGURE 3 as standing atthe base or home position of the wiper unit. The leaf spring contacts238 and companion stationary contacts 239 and 240 at the sides of suchspring leaf contact, are supported by suitable insulating block elementsin position adjacent to the wiper unit. Such support is at location suchthat the high point 237 will engage the free end of the contact 238 justas the home position of the wiper unit is attained, thus forcing suchcontact 238 outwardly into engagement with the contact 240, and awayfrom the contact 239 with which such contact 238 was formerly engaged,during the rotational advances of the wiper unit. These contactscomprise portions of the circuitry, presently to be described; and themovement of the wiper unit to its home position, with reversal of suchspring leaf contact will produce signals to terminate certain operationsof the equipment with which the present timer unit may be combined.

Another spring leaf contact 241 is supported by insulation means betweenthe two stationary contacts 242 and 243 (see FIGURE 3), being normallyin engagement with the contact 242. The armature 203 of the magnet 202is connected to an extension 244 which reaches to a point close to suchspring leaf contact 241, such extension being provided with aninsulating terminal stud 245 which engages such spring leaf contact.This arrangement is such that while the magnet is un-energized such stud245 releases the spring leaf contact to allow the same to retain itsnormal position of engagement with the stationary contact 242; but eachtime the magnet is energized, with corresponding shift of its armature,such arm is also shifted to move the spring leaf contact away from suchcontact 242 and into engagement with the contact 243. The circuitry isprovided with means, including these contacts such that, after a timecounting operation has been concluded and the units, including thestepping switch 201 are to be brought to their base or home positions, acircuit is produced which includes both the contacts 238 and 239, andcontacts 241 and 242, such that a pulsing operation is automaticallyproduced, delivering successive pulses to the magnet 202 for a series ofrapid advances of the wiper unit until such unit reaches its base orhome position. Thereupon, such pulse delivering circuit will be openedby the shifting of the leaf contact 238 away from the contact 239, withthe stepping unit in its home position. In connection with thisoperation it will be understood that for any completed circuitryoperation the stepping switch will have been advanced at least to thefive minute position; and in case of payment for excess time intervals,to a further position, not to exceed a total of thirty-five minutes. Inany case, however, some further rotary advancing of such wiper unit will'be necessary to bring it to its base or home position, and such furtheradvancing will be produced, under proper control, by means of theself-pulsing operations just explained.

In various of the figures I have shown a connecting strip 246 supportedby the plate 166. This connecting strip may be used as a convenientmeans for effecting connections between various of the terminals ofelectric elements of the timer unit, either to other terminals of suchunit, or to terminals of other units of the circuitry with which thepresent timer unit may be connected.

Reference is now made to FIGURE 12 which shows the connections of thecontacts of the timer to each other, and to directly related componentsof the timer unit. In this figure the contacts 219 are shown, for thethree decks, alongside of each other in developed form-The stationarycontacts for each deck are shown within a circular arc embracingdegrees; and the three wipers 221, 222 and 223 are shown extendingradially outwardly from the wiper shaft rings 230, 228, and 226,respectively. The input contacts or brushes to such rings are shown at236, 236 and 236'. The wiper shaft is shown at its base or homeposition. Rotation will be in the direction shown by the arrows. Underthese conditions, the following sequence of wiper engagement with suchstationary contacts (corresponding to successive pulses delivered to themagnet 202), will occur; first, the successive contacts 219 of deck No.1 (lower deck) will be engaged by the wiper 221, thus successivelyengaging ll of the contacts 219, and, as such wiper leaves such eleventhcontact it has advanced through 120 degrees of movement. On the nextreceived pulse to the magnet 202, the wiper 222 for the middle deck, No.2, will engage the first one of the series of eleven contacts of themiddle deck; and successive pulses to the magnet 202 will advance suchwiper successively to the eleven contacts of its deck. Likewise the nextpulse to such magnet will bring the wiper 223 into engagement with thefirst (lowermost) contact of deck No. 3, with successive pulsesadvancing such wiper until the eleventh contact of deck No. 3 has beenengaged. The next pulse will return the parts to their base or homeposition, it being noted that a number, probably most, of the pulseswill be produced by the self-pulsing operation, depending on how manyextra coins (of nickel denomination) have been inserted into the coinreceiving unit, for extra time. At conclusion of the above operationsthe cutoff of pulsing will occur.

It is here noted that all of the input brushes 236, 236 and 236 areconnected together by the strap line 247, to which input current issupplied by the circuitry with which the timer may be connected.

Next it remains to disclose how the stationary contacts 219 of the decksare connected to the stationary contacts 149, and 151 of the timer,shown in FIGURE 1, and in the development of FIGURE 12. First, I willexplain that each of the stepping switch contacts 219 of the three deckscorresponds to the pre-payment of a specified total amount of money.Thus, the base contacts 157, 158 and 159, of FIGURES l and 12,correspond to pre-payments of twenty-five cents, twenty cents, andfifteen cents, respectively, depending on the zone to which call isbeing made. Also, that each step of the stepping switch from suchinitial position, is made upon deposit of a specified coin, such as anickel, to enable extension of the call time beyond such prepaidinterval by a time interval depending on which zone is being called. Ithas already been shown that each additional nickel entitles the callerto one additional minute for a call to the twenty-five cent zone, thateach such additional nickel entitles the caller to one and one-quarterminutes additional time for a call to the twenty cent zone, and entitlesa caller to one and twothirds minutes additional time for a call to thefifteen cent zone. But the time counting arm 154 advances at uniformspeed during timing of the call in any such case. Accordingly, thecontacts of the three groups, 149, 150 and 151, which correspond to thetwenty-five cent zone, to the twenty cent zone, and to the fifteen centzone, respectively, are connected to the successive contacts 219 of thestepping switch in the manner shown in FIGURE 12. Thus, the firstcontact 219 (at the bottom of the deck No. 1 series in FIGURE 12),connects straight over to the 5 minute contacts of all three groups,149, 150 and 151, since the base times for all the zones are assumed tobe 5 minutes in each case. Then, the next stepping switch contact 219 ofthe series, connects across to the 6 minute contact of the group 149, tothe 6% minute contact of the group 150, and to the 6 /3 minute contactof the group 151; then the next contact of the stepping switch series219 connects across to the 7 minute contact of the 149 group,twenty-five cent group, to the 7 /2 minute contact ofthe group 150,twenty cent group, and to the 8 /3 minute contact of the group 151,fifteen cent group. Accordingly, if the callers call is to, say, thefifteen cent group, he shall be entitled to 3 /3 minutes extension oftime by extra payment of two nickels or a dime. Thus, in such casecut-off will not occur until a total time lapse of 8 /3 minutes hasoccurred, including the original payment, plus the extra time payment orpayments.

It is not deemed necessary to describe the further connections betweenthe various contact groups shown in FIGURE 12, as the principle on whichthe unit operates will now be evident.

The circuitry with which the timer may be used may include units orcomponents connected to the several warning signal brushes 163, 164 and165, for the three zones, so that as soon as the warning signal brushwhich corresponds to the zone which was called comes into engagementwith that contact 157, 158 and 159, or 149, 150 or 151, for such zone,which contact is at the time electrified by the stepping switchoperation, a signal will be passed to the warning element (such as alamp), to give the desired warning at the pre-determined time interval,such as forty-five seconds, prior to expiration of such prepaid timeinterval. This allows the caller ample time to make a furtherpro-payment, should he desire to do so.

If no extra pre-payment has been made by the time the brush 160, 161 or162, as the case may be, comes into engagement with such so-electrifiedcontact of the group 157, 158 or 159, or 149, 150 or 151, being thefinal cut-off brush for the zone then in use, a signal will be giventhrough such brush, to discontinue the operation which is under control,such as cutting ofi the called station, and returning various componentsto their base or home conditions, preparatory to a subsequent series ofoperations to be controlled by the timer.

When such cut-off occurs the circuitry will be altered to deliver asignal to the proper element to terminate energization of the magnet192, thus permitting unclutching of the drive to the rock shaft 153, andpermitting return of that shaft and the arm 154 to their base or homepositions. These operations include the following:

A special contact 248, shown by dotted lines in FIG- URE 1, and alsoshown in FIGURE 9, is located just beyond the high time count positionof the timer unit, connected to the high point contact 463 of thestepping switch, deck No. 3, by a lead 249 and a lead 250, is carriedfrom such high point contact 248 to the coil of :1 Clutch Release Relay,251, so that such relay is activated at the high point step of thestepping switch. (If desired, such special contact 248 of the timer unitand such line 249 may be eliminated, and connection made directly fromthe high point contact of the stepping switch to such relay coil, thisarrangement being indicated by the dotted line 252 in FIGURE 12connecting such high point contact of the stepping switch directly tosuch relay coil.) In either case, when the stepping switch attains itshigh point, just before cut-off of such switch, such high pointgenerally being attained by the self-pulsing operations already referredto, the clutch relay will be activated, to discontinue the clutchingoperations by release of such clutch, thus permitting the rock shaft andarm 154 of the timer to be returned to their base or home positions byurge of the spring 184. In connection with the foregoing operation it isnoted that in the relationship of element shown in FIG- URE 12, the hightime count position of the parts (including the high pre-pay position ofthe stepping switch) is attained prior to use of all of the steps ofsuch stepping switch which are available. Thus there remains at leastone of the high stepping switch positions available for production ofthe foregoing operation.

To better understand the relationship of various of the structurespreviously described, and one form of installation of calling stationwhich includes the present timer, reference may be had to FIGURES 13, 14and 15 which show a wiring diagram fora pre-pay, time control, pluralzone control calling station. Since much of the detailed wiring diagramshown in these figures is not needed, for

an understanding of the timer operations. I shall as far as possiblerefer only to those portions of such diagram as directly concern thetimer operations, as follows:

Since the motor 188is normally non-energized, and the motor clutch isalso normally nonengaged, with the rock shaft and the arm 154 normallyat their zero or home positions, it is necessary to make provision forstarting the motor operation and for engaging the clutch, when thecalled party answers the call. These operations are produced as follows;the raising of the receiver of the called party reverses the polarizedrelay 391 (see FIGURE 14). This brings the tongue of such polarizedrelay against the left-hand contact 393 of such relay, where it remainsas long as such reversal of the polarized relay continues. Such reversalthus energizes the relay 395 (by ground connection established throughthe solenoid 430 of the relay 431). Energization of the relay solenoid395 closes the contacts 462. This grounds the line 268 through thecontact e of the relay 267 (such relay being then energized). Line 268is connected to line 461 by the closing of the contacts 462 (grounded asabove). Such line 461 connects to one side of the timer motor 188 (seeFIGURE 13). The other side of such timer motor connects to currentsupply for such motor through the contacts 458 of the clutch releaserelay 251, which relay is non-energized during the foregoing operations.Thus the timer motor is supplied with current by the raising of thecalled partys receiver. The lower contacts of such relay 251 are alsoclosed during the foregoing operations. Thus the timer clutch is alsoenergized at the same time that current is supplied to the timer motor;such energization being produced from the current supply 444, throughthe clutch solenoid 192, and lower closed contacts of the relay 251, tothe line 460461 which, as we have seen is connected to ground by theraising of the called partys receiver from its hook. Thus the timecounting starts simultaneously with the removal of the called partysreceiver from its hook.

The drive of the hollow shaft 153 and the arm 154 in the time countdirection must be terminated at conclusion of the call by hanging up thecalled partys receiver. Such hanging up of that receiver will result inreleasing the polar relay 391 to its central position (shown in FIG- URE14), thus disconnecting from the stationary contact 393 of such relay.This will open the relay 348 (unit 5, FIGURE 14) thus opening thecontacts 462 of such relay, and thus disconnecting line 461 from line268 (see unit 5, FIGURE 14, and also FIGURE 13). Such line 268 connectsto leaf contact e of relay 271, unit 8 (FIG- URE 13), being one of theset of relays designated 15 cent, twenty cent and twenty-five cent inFIGURE 13. When such relay 271 is still energized its contact 2 isgrounded by engagement with its leaf. The line 460-461 is the returnline from the timer motor. Terminating the connection of such line toground will terminate the timer motor operation. Accordingly, either therelease of the relay 348 (by returning the called partys receiver to itshook), or release of the relay 271, unit 8, by collect of the coins fromthe escrow unit 257 (see FIG- URE 13), will cause the timer motor groundconnection to be broken, thus terminating further movement of the arm154 in the time count direction.

Having terminated the time count movement of the shaft 153 and the arm154, it remains to show how the operations are produced by which theseparts will be rapidly returned to their base or home positions when thetime count is completed, preparatory to the next time countingoperation. Such operations and the necessary connections therefor, areas follows:

Return of the shaft and the arm cannot be produced except whenunclutching is produced. The spring (see FIGURE 6) normally retains theclutch in unclutched position. Clutching is produced by energization ofthe solenoid 192. Accordingly, provision is made for energizing suchsolenoid only during time counting; at all other times the parts areunclutched by the operation of the spring 175.

The return of the shaft 153 and arm 154 to their base or home positiondoes not concurrently produce return of the stepping switch wipers totheir base position, since their position at conclusion of the call wasproduced by pulsing their wipers to the positions which they occupied atthe time of terminaton of the call. All advances of such wipers areproduced by the pulses delivered to the stepping switch elements quiteindependently of the motor drive to the arm 154. Furthermore, atconclusson of the call the wipers will occupy rotated positionscorresponding to the number of pulses delivered to the stepping switch,and corresponding to the number of coin value of one nickel each, whichhave produced such pulses. Also, at conclusion of the call it becomesnecessary to make provision to return the wipers to their base or homeposition automatically, and at such speed as will ensure that theyoccupy such base position before a succeeding call may be instituted.During such return of the wipers to their base or home position theyshould be un-electrified to avoid delivery of false signals as thewipers sweep over successive contacts 149, 150 and 151 during progressof the wipers to their base positions; it being noted that to attaintheir base positions the wipers travel in the same rotary direction asduring their stepping advances corresponding to coins inserted into thecoin receptacles. Such rotary advance for return to the base position isproduced by self-produced stepping impulses, acting on the ratchet wheelalready referred to. The following explanation of the returningoperations is now in order:

The return of the called partys receiver to its hook produces reversalof the polar relay 391, bringing the tongue 392 of that relay againstthe left-hand contact 393. This operation activates the relay 348 overthe line 394-437 (see FIGURE 14). Relay 348, thus activated closes,among others, its contacts 442. Current for pulsing the stepping magnetof the timer, shown at 443 (FIGURE 12), is supplied by the inputconnection 444 over the line 445, The opposite terminal of the steppingunit pulser connects by the line 446 with one of the contacts 442 justreferred to. The other one of the contacts 442 connects by the line 447with one of the contacts 448 of the relay 449 (see unit 24, FIGURE 14)and the other one of such contacts 448 is grounded. Activation of suchrelay 449 is produced by electrification of its magnet coil 450. Oneterminal of such coil connects by the line 451 with one of the contacts452 of the relay 453, which relay contacts 452 are normally closed asshown in FIGURE 14. Thus activation of the relay 453 opens such contacts452, thus releasing the relay 449, and removing the ground from the line447. The initial pulse was delivered when the tongue 392 of the polarrelay was set over leftwardly, and the opening of the contacts 448 ofrelay 449 conditions such relay 449 for delivery of another pulse eachtime the relay magnet is energized by supply of a pulse to the coil 450.Such added pulse is delivered to such coil 450 corresponding to eachadded nickel received into the receiving unit as follows:

One terminal of the magnet coil 450 connects by the lead 454* to thegroup of switches 254, 255 and 256; such group of switches connects to110 v. AC input 373 by the lead 374 (see FIGURE 13; and the other input379 connects by the line 456 to the contact with which the tongue 452 ofthe relay 453 makes contact. Thus the energizing of the magnet coil 450of the relay 449 is under control of the coin actuated switches as wellas the relay 453. This arrangement is such that each time a nickel isreceived into the coin receiving equipment, the five cent switch 254 isoperated to produce a pulse in the magnet coil 450, thus also producinga pulse through the circuit which includes the timer stepping switchelements. Accordingly, by inserting nickels from time to time (or dimesor quarters, each of which produces a number of pulses corresponding tothe value of such higher denominations coin than five cents, such numberof pulses equaling the number of nickels equivalent to such coin ofhigher denomination) these added pulses serve to advance the wipers ofthe stepping switch one contact of such switch corresponding to eachadded nickel of value. The result of such operations is a correspondingincrease of the time during which the conversation may be continuedwithout cut-off being automatically produced. Such pulses thus producedby the insertion of extra coins for extra time, do not affect thepositions of the selectors shown in FIGURE 15; and the selectors retaintheir dialed positions until cut-off finally occurs.

Next it is proper to show how the termination of the time countingoperation by termination of current supply to the motor 188 andconcurrent release of the clutch, and return of the shaft and the arm154 to base or home positions, also concurrently produces return of thestepping switch to its base or home position, all preparatory to properproduction of a subsequent operation. These operations of return of thestepping switch to its base or home position are produced as follows:

A line 466 (see FIGURE 13) connects the stationary contact 240 of theOff-Normal switch of the stepping switch, to the stationary contact ofthe pair of contacts 467 of relay 348 (unit 5, FIGURE 14). The tongue ofsuch pair is grounded. Accordingly, when the polar relay is released (byreturn of the called partys receiver to its hook), and with consequentmovement of the tongue 392 of the polar relay to its central position,and separation of such tongue from the left-hand contact 393, the magnet395 of relay 348 (unit 5) is de-energized. Then, after a slight delay,produced by the capacitor 472 the tongue of such pair 467 will engageits stationary contact to ground the line 466. Thereupon the tongue 241of the interrupter of the timer stepping switch (unit 22, FIG- URE 13)will be grounded (the Off-Normal contacts 238-240 being in theircontacting position). At once selfpulsing will commence and willcontinue until the high point 237 which controls the leaf contact 238,comes to its base or home position (see FIGURE 3). Thereupon such leafcontact 238 will be separated from its companion stationary contact 239and into re-engagement with the other stationary contact 240. Thus theattainment of the base or home position will terminate the selfpulsingof the stepping switch at its home position, preparatory to commencementof a subsequent time counting operation.

I have already shown how hanging up the called partys receiver willcause disengagement of the clutch and termination of current supply tothe motor, with concurrent return of the shaft and the arm 154 to theirbase or home positions. It is, however, possible that the call for whichpre-pay was originally made, plus numerous extensions by furtherdeposits of coins, may be sufiicient to carry the shaft and the arm 154to a high position greater than permitted by the physical limits of thetimer unit. Such physical limits include the maximum number of steps forwhich the stepping switch is designed and constructed, being 33 in theillustrated embodiment. In such case the timer would not be returned toits base or home position by such re-placing of the called partysreceiver on its hook, and the movable parts, including the arm 154 andthe shaft, would become jammed, with the motor still under currentdrive. Such a condition might, in some cases be produced by failure ofthe called party to replace his receiver on its hook. To meet thiscontingency, and for other reasons I have made the following furtherprovisions for returning the shaft and the arm, as well as the steppingswitch, to their baseor home positions when such a condition may existas just described, as follows:

A high point contact 248 of the stepping switch is provided (see FIGURES12 and 13) which will be engaged by a wiper of the stepping switch. Ifdesired a corresponding high point contact 463 of one of the groups 149,

to such contact 463 by the line 249. Accordingly, when the steppingswitch has been moved to such high point, either by motor drive, or bypulsing of the switch, current from the input 457 (see FIGURE 13) willbe delivered through the normally closed contacts 458 of the relay 251(Clutch Release Relay), line 459, stepping switch wiper 123, contact 463(or contact 248), line 250 (including the diode 250*) to the solenoid464 of the relay 251, and to ground. This will reverse such relay,

with corresponding opening of the contacts 458, and 506,

and closing of contacts 507. The opening of the contacts 458, thusproduced, will at once discontinue energization of the solenoid 464; buta time delay is provided across such solenoid, in the form of thecapacitor 465, of sufficient delay property, to ensure production of thedesired functions, as follows:

Opening of contacts 506 discontinues supply of current to the clutchsolenoid 192, and opening of contacts 458 ensures discontinuance ofcurrent supply to the solenoid for a delayed interval, as aboveexplained. Such discontinuance of current supply to the solenoid, andthe delay interval, are sufficient to ensure clutch release for aninterval sufficient to allow complete return of the shaft and the arm154 to their base or home positions, under urge of the spring 184, andto ensure that when such delay has expired, with restoration of thecontacts of such relay 251 to their normal, unactivated position, othercircuits will be restored to such condition as to provide for thesucceeding operations, already described.

It is noted that various of the interconnections between elements of thetimer may be in the form of permanent leads from one such element toanother or other elements of the timer proper; such interconnectionsneed no outside connections for transfer of the signals between suchelements to ensure proper functioning of the so-connected timerelements. Other interconnections include portions of the circuitry shownin the wiring diagrams of FIGURES l3, l4 and 15. Nevertheless, when thetimer unit is used for its intended purposes, and to produce theintended functions described hereinbefore, as a portion of the completeensemble of a different telephone calling station, or otherinstallation, it is evident that the ancillary connections hereinproduced by the complete calling station, may be comparably provided byconnections comprising portions of such different telephone station forperforming the functions hereinbefore described, or other functionswithin the capabilities of the timer unit itself.

I claim:

1. In a timer, the combination of a stationary contact carrier, aplurality of groups of contacts spaced apart along parallel paths ofmovement of a wiper carrier, a first defined wiper carrier, means tosupport said first defined wiper carrier for movement along a pathparallel to the paths of the stationary contacts aforesaid, means tomove said first defined wiper carrier along its path of movement atuniform speed; a group contact wiper for each group of contacts, carriedby said first defined wiper carrier in position for successiveengagement with the contacts of the corresponding group during thetravel of the first defined wiper carrier at said uniform rate; whereinthe contacts of each group are spaced equally along the path of suchgroup at spacings proportional to the base charge rate for which suchgroup of stationary contacts corresponds, and wherein the base chargerates corresponding to each group of contacts, is different from thebase charge rates for the other groups of said contacts; together with agroup cross connection between each successive stationary contact of agroup, and the corresponding successive stationary contacts of the othergroups; output stationary signal delivery contacts in connection withsuch group connections, and lying in a path parallel to the stationarycontact paths of the groups of contacts, and means to advance suchoutput wiper synchronously with the movement of the first defined wipercarrier, for engagement of such output wiper with each output stationarycontact, simultaneously with engagement of the group contact wipers withgroup contacts corresponding to such output stationary contact.

2. A timer as defined in claim 1, wherein the means to support thecarrier comprises a carrier shaft constituted for carrier travel in acircular arc, and wherein the group paths of the groups of contactscomprise circular arcs substantially co-axial with the carrier shaft.

3. A timer as defined in claim 2, wherein the contact groups are locatedat successively greater radii from the pivotal support axis of thecarrier shaft, and wherein the carrier extends outwardly from thecarrier shaft in a substantially radial direction; and wherein theangular spacings of the successive contacts of each group from eachother are smaller in the groups of which the paths are located at thegreater radii than are the angular spacings of the successive contactsof the groups of smaller radii.

4. A timer as defined in claim 2, together with a support for the shaft,said support including a laterally shiftable bar, said clutching meansincluding companion friction wheels on the shaft and the motor outputshaft constituted for friction drive from the motor to the shaft underlateral shift of the bar in one direction, magnet means in connectionwith the laterally shiftable bar constituted to shift the bar indirection to produce frictional engagement of the friction wheels fordrive of the shaft under motor energization, wherein the unclutchingurge means comprises spring means in connection with the bar urgingshift of the bar in direction to produce unclutching.

5. A timer as defined in claim 2, together with means to progressivelyelectrify successive contacts of the groups, comprising switch meanshaving successively located output terminals, means to electrify saidterminals in a pre-determined progress between a starting positionterminal electrified position and a final terminal electrified position,together with connections between said terminals and selected contactsof the groups of contacts.

6. A timer as defined in claim 5, wherein the connections between theselected contacts of the groups of contacts comprise connections betweenprogressively successive contacts of each group of the contactscommencing at a starting position of the contacts of all of the groups.

7. A timer unit comprising in combination, a plurality of groups ofstationary contacts, the contacts of each group being spaced apart byequal distances, and the spacing distances of the several groups beingdifferent from each other; wherein the successive contacts of each groupcommencing at a starting position of such group, may be designated asthe first contact of such group, the second contact of such group to thenth contact of such group; connections joining together all of the firstcontacts of the several groups, and joining together all of the secondcontacts of the several groups, and joining together the successivecontacts of the several groups up to the nth contacts of such severalgroups; wherein the contacts of each group lie in a common path with thepaths of all of the groups substantially parallel to each other; a wipercarrier, means to mount said carrier for movement along a pathsubstantially parallel to the paths of the several groups of contacts,means to drive said carrier along its path at substantially uniformspeed, wipers mounted on said carrier in position for successiveengagement with the successive contacts of the several groups, outputterminals from said wipers; and means to electrify the connections whichjoin contacts of the several groups together, in the order of progressof said joining connections from the first contacts joining connection,progressively to the nth contacts joining connection.

8. A timer unit as defined in claim 7, wherein the means whichelectrifies the connections which join contacts of the several groupstogether, comprises stepping switch means including a plurality ofoutput terminals, means to successively electrify said output terminalsaccording to successive pulses delivered to the stepping switch, andconnections from such output terminals of the stepping switch means, tothe connections which join together contacts of the several groups.

9. A timer unit as defined in claim 8, together with first defined meansto deliver first defined pulses to the stepping switch; and seconddefined means to deliver second defined pulses to the stepping switch;said second defined pulses delivering means being constituted to deliversuccessive pulses to the stepping switch under stepping switch pulsedelivering control.

10. A timer unit as defined in claim 9; together with means to activatethe second defined pulse delivering means, and means to discontinue suchactivation at a pre-determined position of the stepping switch.

11. A timer unit as defined in claim 10, wherein the means whichsuccessively electrifies the output terminals of the stepping switchmeans, comprises a rotary contact carrier journalled for rotation aboutan axis from a starting position to terminus at such starting position;and wherein such starting position of such rotary contact carrier is theposition of such rotary contact carrier a predetermined angular distancein advance of the position of said rotary contact carrier forelectrification of the joining connection of the first contacts of theseveral groups.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,937,246 5/1960 Bothwell 200-37FOREIGN PATENTS 240,198 4/ 1924 Great Britain.

BERNARD A. GILHEANY, Primary Examiner.

G. J. MAIER, H. E. SPRINGBORN,

Assistant Examiners.

1. IN A TIMER, THE COMBINATION OF A STATIONARY CONTACT CARRIER, APLURALITY OF GROUPS OF CONTACTS SPACED APART ALONG PARALLEL PATHS OFMOVEMENT OF A WIPER CARRIER, A FIRST DEFINED WIPER CARRIER, MEANS TOSUPPORT SAID FIRST DEFINED WIPER CARRIER FOR MOVEMENT ALONG A PATHPARALLEL TO THE PATHS OF THE STATIONARY CONTACTS AFORESAID, MEANS TOMOVE SAID FIRST DEFINED WIPER CARRIER ALONG ITS PATH OF MOVEMENT ATUNIFORM SPEED; A GROUP CONTACT WIPER FOR EACH GROUP OF CONTACTS, CARRIEDBY SAID FIRST DEFINED WIPER CARRIER IN POSITION FOR SUCCESSIVEENGAGEMENT WITH THE CONTACTS OF THE CORRESPONDING GROUP DURING THETRAVEL OF THE FIRST DEFINED WIPER CARRIER AT SAID UNIFORM RATE; WHEREINTHE CONTACTS OF EACH GROUP ARE SPACED EQUALLY ALONG THE PATH OF SUCHGROUP AT SPACINGS PROPORTIONAL TO THE BASE CHARGE RATE FOR WHICH SUCHGROUP OF STATIONARY CONTACTS CORRESPONDS, AND WHEREIN THE BASE CHARGERATES CORRESPONDING TO EACH GROUP OF CONTACTS, IS DIFFERENT FROM THEBASE CHARGE RATES FOR THE OTHER GROUPS OF SAID CONTACTS; TOGETHER WITH AGROUP CROSS CONNECTION BETWEEN EACH SUCCESSIVE STATIONARY CONTACT OF AGROUP, AND THE CORRESPONDING SUCCESSIVE STATIONARY CONTACTS OF THE OTHERGROUPS; OUTPUT STATIONARY SIGNAL DELIVERY CONTACTS IN CONNECTION WITHSUCH GROUP CONNECTIONS, AND LYING IN A PATH PARALLEL TO THE STATIONARYCONTACT PATHS OF THE GROUPS OF CONTACTS, AND MEANS TO ADVANCE SUCHOUTPUT WIPER SYNCHRONOUSLY WITH THE MOVEMENT OF THE FIRST DEFINED WIPERCARRIER, FOR ENGAGEMENT OF SUCH OUTPUT WIPER WITH EACH OUTPUT STATIONARYCONTACT, SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH ENGAGEMENT OF THE GROUP CONTACT WIPERS WITHGROUP CONTACTS CORRESPONDING TO SUCH OUTPUT STATIONARY CONTACT.